Community Support

Connect Hair Studio proudly accepted the “Pay It Forward” award from the Barrie Chamber of Commerce in recognition of  the ongoing work supporting Gilda’s Club Simcoe Muskoka.  The award recognizes the business that has implemented a community program with long term benefits to the community.  The success of the Raw and Reflective calendars has contributed to the ongoing work of Gilda’s Club supporting people affected by cancer free of charge.  Connect Hair Studio remains committed to supporting the community and is grateful for the recognition from the Chamber of Commerce.

Connect Hair  Studio was voted “Barrie’s Favourite Hair Studio” and stylist, Hillary, was voted Barrie’s Favourite Colour Technician in the recent Barrie Advance Readers’ Choice Awards.  We are very proud of our team and thank our wonderful clients for their ongoing support and for voting for us.

Connect Hair Studio is proud to be spearheading a major fundraising event for Gilda’s Club of Simcoe Muskoka.  More than a year of planning has gone into producing a calendar – Raw and Reflective 2020 which will help raise funds for Gilda’s Club.

Thirteen people from the community, who have faced cancer in its various forms, were teamed with fourteen of the region’s best professional photographers and videographers to produce this outstanding calendar.  Each model was asked to write about the meaning of time once they were diagnosed and their stories are featured with their picture on each month.

The organizing committee, led by Sharon Smith of Connect Hair Studio, spent many hours pulling the calendar together and the concept was strongly supported by a wide range of generous sponsors which makes our goal of raising $20 000 very achievable.

Calendars are on sale now and can be purchased at Connect Hair Studio for $20.  Calendars can also be purchased from Gilda’s Club of Simcoe Muskoka or online at

https://gildasclubsimcoemuskoka.org/ways-to-give/raw-and-reflective-2020/

Statistics tell us cancer diagnoses are on the rise.  Gilda’s Clubs exist so that “No-one faces cancer alone” and were inspired by Saturday Night Live actor Gilda Radner as part of her legacy when she faced her cancer in the 1980s.  Currently there are 55 Gilda’s Clubs in the USA and other countries.  There are just 2 in Canada – and we have one of them!   Every program provided by Gilda’s Club is free.  You can help continue this amazing legacy by purchasing your calendar today.

Pie Media Group announces held an evening of Immersive Fashion Theatre and Social Dining at Heritage Estate Winery and Cidery in Barrie Sept 6, 2019.
The evening was an amalgamation of fashion, dining and performing arts with an exclusive lineup of designers, musicians, model installations, and fascinating exhibits.

The event supported the Pie Media Group restyle campaign at The Women and Children’s Shelter of Barrie and a support staff loft re-style at the Seasons Centre for Grieving children.

Sharon, Meghan, Hillary and a team of local beauty professionals united to create elegant looks for some of the youth for their prom night celebration at Ferndale Banquet Hall.
So heart warming to see them ‘shine’ on their special evening!

Elysium Fashion Theatre Production was a show like no other! This outstanding fashion event curated by Sandra Roberts of Pie Media Group was held at Castleview Inn. Hillary, Meghan and Sharon created many of the unique hairstyles to compliment the magnificent fashion installations from some of Canada’s top designers!

The Focus on Simcoe Photography Festival matched supporting businesses with photographers to create mini galleries throughout the county.

Connect Hair Studio was proud to welcome photographer Tammy Hodgson and support the Photography Festival .  Tammy displayed her work throughout the month of June. Her ‘water’ themed prints were stunning!

On Monday May 6, 2019 Women’s Connection 5 in support of Habitat for Humanity Simcoe was held at the Lion’s Gate Hall.  There were 20 vendors, door prizes, live entertainment, silent and live auctions. Live auctioneer Daryl Mabley helped ramp up the donations to this charity.  Our goal was $8000 and we were thrilled to reach our target and raise $8045.  Huge thanks to all vendors, volunteers and guests for supporting such a worthwhile cause.

Meghan worked her magic with their beauty team on the customers in support of the Women’s Shelter of Barrie.

M.P. John Brassard’s Volunteer Award. The award recognizes her personal and business achievements and commitment to the community.

Haircuts For The Homeless at David Busby Centre. Sharon Smith and team of inspired local hairstylists united to lift the spirits and humanize our city’s homeless people. The team has grown to 11 stylists already!

Boudoir shoots for Kelly Shires Breast Cancer Foundation. Danielle and beauty team styled women’s sexy hair and boosted their confidence for professional photo shoots to raise money for this wonderful cause.

Pie Media Group’s Revelation: “ A Holiday Tale” Fashion Theatre Production. Sharon Smith (Lead Stylist) and Hillary joined the beauty team for this incredible production at Mavricks Music Hall. Proceeds were given to the Women and Children’s Shelter of Barrie.

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Gift collection and donation to Senior’s Wish Foundation.

Shopper’s Drug Mart Charity Makeover Event for Women and Children’s Shelter of Barrie raising $41,582! Hillary joined the beauty team offering styling services to customers.

Our salon has gone green! We are doing our part to reduce, reuse and recycle. We purchased a dishwasher, water cooler, water glasses, compostable coffee pods and recycling/composting bin for hair clippings.

Once again Sharon joined a team of salon professionals at Codrington P.S. where 21 students and teachers donated their ponytails to support Gilda’s Club of Simcoe Muskoka. $1342.90 was raised. Way to go!

Connect Hair Studio proudly decorated their window to show support for the LGBTQ community. Organizer David Bradbury was impressed with our efforts.

Sharon and Laura gave their time and skills to help ‘glam people up’ and support Season’s Centre for Grieving Children and The Women and Children’s Shelter of Barrie.

Sharon stopped by Nouvelle Alliance where M. Jerome and Kyle donated their hair for Wigs for Cancer Survivors. The students raised $1331.32. Formidable!

Connect stylists were on hand to prepare people for photo shoot headshots. Proceeds supported Youth Haven of Barrie.

The 2018 Women’s Connection 4 raised $5119.84 to help support the work of Epilepsy Simcoe County. Thanks once again to our amazing sponsors and entrepreneurs, and our equally  amazing supporters who made WC4 another huge success.

https://www.facebook.com/641388972609342/posts/1633206153427614/<

https://www.facebook.com/641388972609342/posts/1634680276613535/

https://www.facebook.com/pg/snapdBarrie/photos/?tab=album&album_id=2070840492945682

https://drive.google.com/file/d/10M4RwQZX8XJYApoANNBIrbDR2wO2UT5o/view

The Welcome Wagon’s Bridal Showcase was held at Tangle Creek Golf Club. Connect stylists were on hand to demonstrate their skill in meeting the needs of any bridal party with classic and modern updos.

Connect Hair Studio hosted Dr. Pete Douros ND and Katherine Parent RNCP, CNP for an information evening: “The Magic of Sleep”.

Throughout the month of December, clients and staff collected gifts to support the organizers to help make Christmas a happy one for families in the area.

Connect Hair Studio was thrilled to be named one of the top five salons in Canada in the “John Steinberg Community Award” category for our fundraising efforts to support the local community.

Sharon Smith was recognized for the work of her studio and her team in the community by being named as the “2017 Pay it Forward” business award winner by the Barrie Chamber of Commerce.

The Connect Team was thrilled to be asked, once again, to participate in the preparation of the models for Diwali – the Hindu annual Celebration of Lights festival.

Shoppers Drug Mart Makeovers Galas are in support of Breast Cancer Awareness. They are held twice a year. Some of our stylists donate their time and talents in support of this cause offering stylish touch-ups and complimentary consultations.

On Monday, October 16,2017 Connect Hair Studio team, along with 20 other salon professionals, raised $2306.75 for Gilda’s Club of Simcoe Muskoka.  Canada Cuts for Gildas Club united with several salons to keep the red door open!  Fun was had by all!  A grand total of $8100 was raised collectively by all the participating salon professionals.

Connect Hair Studio was proud to host the first of our speaker series, “What the Health” with nutritionists Dr. Pete Douros ND and Katherine Parent RNCP, CNP.

There was no shortage of scrunchies, off the shoulder tops, bright colours and big hair at Connect Hair Studio during the 80’s themed lady’s charity evening! The 3rd Annual Women’s Connection was a HUGE success with all proceeds going to Youth Haven Barrie. Everyone enjoyed a fun filled evening of drinks, appetizers, a vendor market, live music, comedic performances, along with amazing items to bid on during the silent and live auction. Thank you to Connect Hair Studio owner Sharon Smith for hosting another wonderful fundraising event. Be sure to check out Connect Hair Studio online at www.connecthairstudio.com or stop by today at their new location at 274 Burton Ave., Unit 12 in Barrie.

Danielle and Alison prepared the hairstyles on these lovely ladies to help support Kelly Shires Breast Cancer Foundation. Photographer Apryl Monroe captured the perfect boudoir, business sexy, and glamour shots!

Excited bride-to-be guests filled the Holiday Inn on January 8th to prepare for their upcoming weddings! Alison, Laura, Sharon and Jenn worked their magic on the models for the big fashion show.Excited bride-to-be guests filled the Holiday Inn on January 8th to prepare for their upcoming weddings! Alison, Laura, Sharon and Jenn worked their magic on the models for the big fashion show.

September 19 from 10am ñ 7pm will be the 9th Annual Canada Cuts for Gildaís Club and this year including Hospice Simcoe as well! Connect Hair Studio will be the host for over 20 salon professionals providing everything from $35 haircuts, nail polish changes, mini Indian head massages, to brow waxing.

Contact Connect at 705-503-7702 to reserve an appointment and help support 2 separate causes!

Shoppers Drug Mart Makeover Galas are in support of Breast Cancer Awareness. They are held twice a year. Some of our stylists donate their time and talents in support of this cause offering styling touch ups and complimentary consultations.

Connect Hair Studio and Timpano Formalwear proudly offered this award to a graduating Saint Joan of Arc student who possessed inner beauty and inner strength and created an enormous impact on those around them. They sought no recognition or reward but gave of themselves to others.

The Gatsby Garden Benefit was organized by the Event Divas. It was a relaxing afternoon with dancing to a live band, silent auctions, champagne cocktails and plenty of photo opportunities. As a sponsor of this successful event, we were proud to be supporting the Women and Childrenís Shelter of Barrie once again! The last photo is of Charlie from Kool FM getting her Roaring 20’s hairstyling with Alison.

Sharon cuts off a ponytail of a student from Codrington Public School in support of their Cuts for Cancer event held June 25, 2016.
Students, teachers and mothers showed support for over 20 eager girls. Thanks to Rogers TVís Daytime Simcoe team for the promotion of the event.

Location: Connect Hair Studio

What a huge success! This second annual event was designed to allow local small businesswomen an opportunity to showcase their businesses to other women, whilst raising money for this year’s community partner  The Barrie Women and Children’s Shelter. We exceeded our goal of $5000!

Our contribution is equivalent to the operating / support program costs for one week at the shelter, which usually has as many as 30 women and children seeking safety, help and support.

Thank you to the nearly 100 local businesses who supported the event with products, prizes, or service, the people who attended the event and the staff who worked tirelessly. And a huge thank you to the brave ladies who shared their stories of hope with us.

Thank you,
Sharon

Connect Hair Studio’s Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZhbfcKfk6rXSmIxvzvQkXA?&ab_channel=ConnectHairStudio

CTV News 6:00pm: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yigASPYtzok

CTV News 11:00pm: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_o1Qk1os_g

Barrie Examiner: http://www.thebarrieexaminer.com/2016/05/09/women-and-childrens-shelter-gets-support-and-money

Barrie Today: https://www.barrietoday.com/local-news/big-turnout-for-womens-connection-2-294100

Snap’d Barrie: https://barrie.snapd.com/event/931209#/

Shoppers Drug Mart Makeover Galas are in support of Breast Cancer Awareness. They are held twice a year. Some of our stylists donate their time and talents in support of this cause offering styling touch ups and complimentary consultations.

Thanks to everyone who turned out for 2016 Dancing with Easter Seals Stars Barrie. The evening was a tremendous success.

Barrie Out of the Cold Collection 2015

This event was November and December. We collected donations from clients to provide warm clothing and toiletries to the homeless here in Barrie.

LOCATION
Connect Hair Studio
Unit 5 211 Ferndale Dr. South

Dr. Chee Chen kindly invited our team to The West Event Center to beautify the models (who all are employees at RVH). What a fun evening it was!

Total Funds Raised: $373.00

Breast Cancer Awareness program along with cupCAKE donations and Women’s Connection networking event held at Connect Hair Studio!

5th Annual Fall Fashion Show
Clothing provided by Red Tulip and John McNabb Clothier
Hair by Connect Hair Studio

LOCATION
At Tanglecreek Golf and Country Club 5 to 9 PM

Cut-a-thon at Connect Hair Studio
Funds Raised Through Connect Hair Studio: $2100.00
Haircuts for $30 as well as a variety of other services such as mini manicures, makeup applications,Facial acupuncture and a whole lot more! All proceeds of the day went to Gildas Club.
A Style Off was held at City Hall in the rotunda on Monday Sept 14 to promote the cut-a-thon the following week. There was a Fashion Show and Makeovers being revealed. Guest speakers were in attendance as well.
As seen on RogersTV: http://bit.ly/1lrxPt0
Photos courtesy of snapd Barrie

Total Funds Raised: $3824.00
Garage Fundraiser. On line and in store shopping. Being held by The Event Divas
Connect Hair Studio is collecting donations for this event.
LOCATION
211 Ferndale Dr S Unit #6 right beside Connect Hair Studio

Alison McLean and Sharon Smith were on location demonstrating their styling skills on willing guests.

LOCATION
Barrie Legion

Canadian Beauties Halloween Bash was held on August 9 in Orillia and raised $500 for Sick Kid’s Hospital in Toronto.
A second pageant will be held on November 1 with these funds going to Sick Kid’s as well.
Alison McLean and Britt Clark were there to beautify the contestants for the pageant.
LOCATION
Best Western in Orillia

Connect Hair Studio’s team was thrilled to be a part of the Everything Pretty Show and provided their skills to enhance the beauty of people passing by.
LOCATION
Barrie Legion 11-4pm FREE ADMISSION

Total Funds Raised: $4359.00
In conjunction with Passion Parties Connect Hair Studio’s Team participated in a fundraising event for the Women and Children Shelter of Barrie.
A fun evening was had by 400 women at the showing of Magic Mike XXL and a little shopping with various vendors. $5500 was raised( $4360 in cash and $1200 worth of toiletry items.)

A $200 cheque and $50 gift card (toward hair services) was donated by Connect Hair Studio and Timpano Formalwear to two high school graduates. These bursaries were given to Bear Creek Secondary School and Saint Joan of Arc Secondary School recognizing a student who demonstrated compassionate character traits giving of themselves for others. The True Reflection Award was received by one outstanding student at each of the schools.

LOCATION
held at the Barrie Legion
As seen on RogersTV: http://bit.ly/1QqDJXW

December 1st 2014 Helping keep the homeless warm. We are collecting hats, mitts and socks for Barrie Out of the Cold
LOCATION
Connect Hair Studio
Unit 5  211 Ferndale Dr. South

October 1st 2014
GET ONE PINK EXTENSION TO SUPPORT CANCER RESEARCH
ALL PROCEEDS TO THE CANADIAN BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION
Cakey Bakey donated cupcakes throughout the month and provided our clients with a contest by guessing the correct weight of the Boob Cake! A fun way to raise money for such a great cause!

LOCATION
Connect Hair Studio
Unit 5 211 Ferndale Dr. South

We organized a Cut-A-Thon event as a fundraiser for Dress for Success.
$671 was collected along with two large bags of clothing.
On this day, we also celebrated our First Anniversary with ribbon-cutting and cupcakes.
*The picture is the official ribbon cutting by Michael Prowse, Acting Mayor for March 2015

February 4th & 5th 2015 The Easter Seals held a Chili Fest fundraiser, where Connect Hair Studio won an award.
Award: Best Chili ñ Corporate entry
LOCATION
Southshore Community Centre
205 Lakeshore Drive, Barrie, ON L4N 7Y9